Recap: Bobcats 106, Magic 100

January 18, 2013

Throughout their recent 10-game losing skid, the Magic did an exceptional job of playing hard, refusing to relent and not allowing one close loss to affect their performance in the next game.

However, after Wednesday’s exceptional win over the Pacers, the Magic slipped away from their routine approach and appeared to let off the gas at the start of Friday’s matchup with the Bobcats. Unfortunately, they were unable to recover.

Kemba Walker led the charge with a game-high 25 points as the Bobcats left Amway Center with a 106-100 victory on Friday night.

“They got off to a start that we didn’t anticipate; a 28 and a 29 (point) first and second quarter,” Magic Head Coach Jacque Vaughn explained. “That’s the great part about the NBA is that as soon as you take a sigh another team comes in and they’re ready to play.”

For a Magic roster that features six first or second year players, it was a great refresher in the importance of bringing a top-notch effort every single night.

“That’s why you always have to stay in the now,” Vaughn added. “You worry about today’s game and don’t look forward. That’s always got to be your approach.”

His starting shooting guard couldn't agree more.

"We are still maturing as a group on how to do that night in and night out," Arron Afflalo added. "You can't really expect that from young guys. It has to start with the veterans, guys that have the most responsibility, we have to do it as a group."

"Because of the position we're in right now, we can't allow these kind of games where we can come out with a big win like two days ago and then tonight we play with no energy. So we can't have that, we have to play hard every night." - Magic center Nikola Vucevic on Friday's loss.